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No. 417 



The 

Taming of Horrors 

A X}IRL SCOUT PLAY 

IN 

FOUR ACTS 



By 

Gladys I. Young 

Captain of Troop i, Grand Haven, Mich. 



Copyright, 1921, by Samuel French 



Amateurs may perform this play without payment of roy 
altv. All other rights reserved. 



PRICK 30 CENTS 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th Sf REET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street, 

STRAND 



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sar3^ the two interiors will answer. Costumes modern. Plays lYx 
hours. 

The story is about vocational training, a subject now, widely dis- 
cussed,; also, the distribution of large wealth. 

Back of the comedy situation and snappy dialogue there is good 
logic and a sound moral in this pretty play, which is worthy the 
attention of the experienced amateur. It is a clean, wholesome play, 
particularly suited to high schooj production, ' Price, 30 Cents, 



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A modern play in four acts by Marion Short, author of "The 
Touchdown," etc. 6 males, 10 females. Two interior scenes. Cos- 
tumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

This delightful comedy has gripping dramatic moments, unusual 
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in theme and treatment. The story conce'rns the advetures of Con- 
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when suddenly all traces of the j'cung man are lost. At this point 
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little Irish waitress with the family that are in want. She not. only 
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her incognito, aside from capturing the young man who had defrauded 
her father. The story is full of bright comedy lines and dramatic 
situations and is highly recommended for amateur production. This 
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ber of female characters. The dialogue is bright and the play is full 
of action from start to finish; not a dull moment in it. This is a 
great comedy for high schools and colleges, and the wholesome story 
will please the parents and teachers. We strongly recommend it. 

Price, 30 Cents. 



PURPLE AND FINE LINEN. 

An exceptionally pretty comedy of Puritan New England, in three 
acts, by Amita B. Fairgrieve and Helena Miller. 9 male, 5 female 
characters. ; 

This is the Lend A Hand Smith College prize play. It is an ad- 
mirable play for amateurs, is rich in character portrayal of varied 
types and is not too difficult while thoroughly pleasing. 

Price, 3D Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request 



The 

Taming of Horrors 

A GIRL SCOUT PLAY 



By 

Gladys I. Young 

Captain of Troop i, Grand Haven, Mich. 



Copyright, 1921, By SAMUEL FRENCH 



Amateurs may perform this play without payment of roy- 
alty. All other rights reserved. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 
28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

Samuel French, Ltd. 

Publisher 

J6 Southampton St., Strand 



^A-" 

A^'^ 



TMP92-007601 , 



©C;.D 5870i 



SEP 22 '21 



Scene: Horrors' room. ''Mess," in Miss Lezvis 
School for Girls. 

Act I — The beginnino^ of the school year. 
Act 2 — One week later. 
Act 3 — End of second school month. 
Act 4 — Graduation week in June. 



CHARACTERS 

Shirley Mason (Horrors), careless and spoiled. 

Mrs. Lipkins, the matron of the school. 

Jessie James and Captain Kid. roommates who live 

in Paradise Alley. 
Patricia Kent, a Girl Scout from a Michig^an 

troop. 
Mrs. Kent, mother of Patricia, and Captain of a 

Girl Scout troop. 
Fluefv Owl and Snowy Owl, more roommates 

in Paradise AlleV. 
Airy, who rooms up in the tower. 
Ducky, the swimming enthusiast. 
Srx Basket Ball Girls. 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 



ACT I 

Horrors' room, "Mess," living up to its name. Two 
cots, table, bureau and chairs littered with cloth- 
ing, hooks, tennis racquets, Indian clubs, uke- 
lele, chafing dish, etc. A large sign "Mess" 
hangs over bureau. A large picture of a man 
stands on the table. Absolute disorder. Hor- 
rors sits at table writing letters. 

Horrors. (Reading her letter) "And so, dear 
Auntie Ruth, just tell father that he had better 
double it for next month, one never can tell what 
may happen. We might adopt a French town or 
something, and besides, everything I own is a sight. 
Clothes never stay nice with me. Much love, Shir- 
ley." There, I guess that is all. I surely hope 
Auntie Ruth doesn't censor this before Dad gets it. 
Now, where did I put my geometry? 

(Rap at door. Enter Mrs. Lipkins, who stops sud- 
denly at sight of the room and drops into first 
chair.) 

Mrs. Lipkins. Shirley Mason ! Your room has 
never been in a worse condition. It is always bad 
enough, goodness knows, but this surpasses any- 

5 



6 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

thing in my experience, and to-day of all days! I 
just came up to tell you of it. You are to have a 
roommate, such a nice girl. Patricia Kent, a per- 
fect lady. I am so in hopes that she may have a 
good influence on you. She's from Michigan, such 
a nice girl. And here your room looks as if a 
cyclone had struck it. Clean this up at once, she 
must have half of all space. 

Horrors. (Who has been staring, open-mouthed) 
But, Mrs. Lipkins, where shall I put my things? 
Everything is full, and oh ; truly, Mrs. Lipkins, I 
just know she won't care to room with me. She 
would be so unhappy, and besides I might get a 
nightmare or something catching and it would be so 
dreadful for her. Can't you find another room for 
her? Oh, please, Mrs. Lipkins, for her sake! 

Mrs. Lipkins. Yes; I dare say, for her sake. 
Shirley Mason, put down that geometry and get to 
work on this room. You are not going to class until 
this room is fit to bring a young lady into. She 
shall room with you and you are to see that she is 
not annoyed. She and her mother are down in the 
office now. I shall bring her up in fifteen minutes 
and I want this place presentable. (Exit Mrs. Lip- 

KINSj 

("Horrors sits on cot, picture of despair, gases 
around room and finally goes to door and cau- 
tiously calls: '^'Jessie James !^ Captain Kid!" 
Enter Jessie and Captain, carrying books and 
Indian clubs.) 

Jessie. What's up? What was Lippy in here 
for? 

Captain. Hurry up! We're almost late now 
and my shoes are in the locker at the gym. 

Horrors. Captain Kid ! Jessie James ! I'm to 
have a roommate again, A perfect lady ! A nice 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 7 

girl ! Her mother brought her. She's to influence 
me. She's to be here in fifteen minutes. Girls, this 
is the third time we have had to take a new girl 
into Paradise Alley. What shall we do? Hurry, 
say something. 

Jessie. Well, Horrors, give us a chance. Why 
the worry ? We made all the others ask to be moved. 
This one won't stay long. Where are you going 
to put her, anyway? 

Horrors. I can't be nasty to her. Lippy said 
I was to see that she was not annoyed and in re- 
turn she is to influence me. Tame me, I suppose. 
Girls, I shall be eating out of her hand in six weeks. 
I know I shall. My personality that we just learned 
of is to be submerged. And, anyway, girls, this 
room is too small for two. 

Captain. Any room is too small for two if you 
are one of the two. Fix it up. Horrors. You got 
rid of the others. Why don't they put her over in 
the Poet's Corner? They are all students and nice 
girls over there. Why must Paradise Alley always 
take the newcomers? Well, so long, I'll surely be 
late. (Exit Captain j 

Jessie. (With sudden idea) Well, if you have 
to give her half of the room why not go half on 
everything like this. (Pulls open drawers and 
shoves contents to one side, scoops off half of the 
table and piles the surplus on the floor) There, 
isn't that easy? So long. I'll tell Miss Norcross 
that you are detained from geometry. You can't 
have another skip this month, you know. (Exit 
Jessiej 

fHoRRORS continues to put her things into one-half 
of the room, mostly under the bed. Finally she 
gives up in despair, throws herself on the cot, 
sobs angrily and pounds the pillows. Enter 
Mrs. Lipkins, Mrs. Kent and PatriciaJ 



8 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

Mrs. Lipkins. Yes, this is the room, Mrs. Kent 
Shirley has been doing some hasty moving, so her 
things are a bit chaotic as yet. (She sees Horrors 
lying on the cot) Shirley Mason, get up off that 
bed. This is Shirley, Mrs. Kent. Patricia, this is 
your new roommate. I know you girls will be great 
friends. Shirley is one of our finest girls, leads in 
all er-er-er enthusiastic meetings. Go right on with 
your settling, Shirley. You have classes this morn- 
ing, you know. (To Mrs. KentJ I will see you 
in the office when you wish to come down. (Exit 
Mrs. LiPKiNSJ 

(^Patricia and Mrs. Kent, who were at first 
shocked, now ignore the room and Horrors' 
stormy face. Mrs. Kent crosses to Horrors 
and puts her hands on her shoulders.) 

Mrs. Kent. So you are the one who is to take 
care of my Patricia. I think I am well pleased. 
Mrs. Lipkins said that you were going to be a 
fine woman some day. I think you are a fine girl 
now. (Turning to Patricia J We don't like to say 
good-bye, do we? Never mind, summer will come 
again soon and back to the birds and pine needles 
we will go. Here is a little gift you may open be- 
fore you go to bed to-night. It is yours and it is 
mine and it belongs to Shirley, too. It stands for 
brave deeds, and tender hearts and steady faith. 
Always protect it. Good-bye, little private. (Hands 
her a parcel and salutes) 

Patricia. Good-bye, Captain Mother, I know 
what the gift is right now. I shall treasure it all 
year and bring it back to the birds and pine needles 
with me. (They kiss and then salute, exit Mrs. 
Kent. Patricia stands very still gating at the 
door. She suddenly turns and busies herself with 
her large pasteboard box which she puts under the 
bed.) 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 9 

Horrors. (Who has watched- it all) Say, do 
you always act like that? Is that the way your 
mother always is? Why did you call her Cap- 
tain? Aren't you going to cry because she is 
gone? 

Patricia. (Who has been unpacking her bag) 
No, I'm not going to cry. I do feel queer inside, 
though. But it was so good of mother to come 
with me that I mustn't be horrid about her going. 
Yes, mother is like that with all of us seven chil- 
dren, and she is just the same with her forty-eight 
girls, too. We all call her Captain. 

Horrors. (Dropping into her chair) Seven chil- 
dren ! Forty-eight girls ! Say, does your mother 
run an Orphan Asylum ? 

Patricia. (Laughing) Oh, no ! The seven of 
us are not orphans. We have daddy and mother. 
The forty-eight are in mother's — well — they are 
friends of mother's. (^Horrors tries again to put 
her things aivay, but finally stops to watch Patricia 
carefully putting her things in the drawers. As she 
puts her mother's picture on the table she sees the 
photograph of a man on Horrors' half) Oh, is this 
your brother? 

Horrors. Nope ! Don't know who it is. Be- 
longs to a Freshie on the third floor. She found it 
in a hotel room on her way here and swiped it. I 
rent it from her for ten cents a week. Isn't he 
spifify ? 

Patricia. Oh, how badly someone must feel over 
losing it. Someone must love him dearly. 

Horrors. Well, I do. I'm crazy about him. 
(Sensing Patricia's disapproval, Horrors slyly puts 
the picture in 'a drawer) 

Horrors. Well, if I don't go to class, I will be 
counted as skipped again. Nothing I can do for 
you before I go, is there? 
-Patricia. No, thank you. You have done so 



lo THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

much already that I would not dare ask for more 
favors. 

Horrors. (Just before disappearing) Humph! 
Influence, taming! 

Patricia. (Saluting her mother's picture) A 
friend to all. Yes, Captain Mother, I'll try. When 
I open my gift to-night, it will be easier. It stands 
for brave deeds, tender hearts and steady faith. I'll 
need lots of faith to Hve in Mess with Horrors. 

(Curtain.) 



ACT II 

(One week later) 

Scene : '^Mess/' much neater, although very full 
of personal belongings. Patricia's side per- 
fect. Horrors, Jessie James, Captain Kid, 
Fluffy and Snowy Owl and Airy are hav- 
ing a spread of sandzviches, olives and fudge. 

Fluffy. Truly, Horrors, this sandwich dope is 
wonderful. Where did you get it? 

Horrors. It's Patricia's. 

Fluffy. How does it happen that you are eat- 
ing it? By the way, where is Patricia? 

Horrors. Oh, she is down in the library study- 
ing. She has just loads of stuff like this in her 
trunk but she won't eat a bit of it. She says after 
she brought it she decided to win a health badge, 
whatever that is, and she won't eat between meals. 
I don't know how or whare she wins it. She never 
mentioned it but once. 

Airy. Humph, she's crazy ! 

Horrors. No, she isn't. Airy. I'm not keen 
about her as you all know, but she really isn't crazy. 
She does a lot of funny things, though. Every day 
she salutes that flag that her mother gave her. She 
wears a funny pin that looks like a clover, and every 
morning she ties a little knot in the end of her tie. 
It is always out by night but she always ties it. I 
don't know what to make of her. And girls, she 
II 



12 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

has a pasteboard box that she has never opened. 
I am dying to know what is in it, but she won't 
open it. It is this big. I offered to unpack it once 
for her and she said, "No, that won't be opened yet." 
Isn't it mysterious? And yet, she is sort of nice. 
She told me once to help Tnyself to her jam and 
marmalade because she wouldn't eat any for three 
months. I asked her if she were ill and she said, 
"Mercy, no!" Now, why don't she eat it? 

Captain. Maybe she has found out that it is 
poison and wants to kill us off. 

Horrors. (Laughing) No, I can't believe that, 
but girls, she hasn't tried to civilize me at all. If 
she does, she shall leave. And girls, she had the 
jolliest letter from her mother. She read it to me. 
She had just got home to Michigan, you know. She 
said her whole troop met her and they had taken 
good care of her house and family while she was 
away. What do you suppose she meant? Troop 
sounds like an army. 

Jessie. Oh, let's give her up. Maybe you are 
not getting tamed, Horrors, but you surely are in- 
fluenced. I'm so sick of hearing of the Honorable 
Pat. You gave her whole history last night in our 
room ; we never before heard of such an angle, and 
I might add that "Mess" was never before known 
to have an empty seat for each guest. I think, dear, 
Pat is doing you good. You will positively be or- 
derly by the end of the year. 

Horrors. Jessie James, you are horrid. Cap- 
tain Kid tries to pretend I am different, too. I'm 
not ! I won't be. I have always been the horror 
of the school and I shall continue to be. Now, don't 
another one of you dare to suggest such a horrid 
thing again. If you do I shall tell Pat that she 
has 

(Enter Patricia J 



THE TAMING OF^ HORRORS i:^ 

Patricia. Pat has what? Did I interrupt? 

Horrors. Oh, no! (Gasp) I was just saying-, 
"Pat has such a nice, a nice, er — such a nice way 
of doing her hair." 

Patricia. Daddy asks me why I don't try comb- 
ing it some time. 

Horrors. Have some sandwiches, Pat? 

Patricia. No, thanks. 

Airy. Why don't you eat, Patricia? You 
wouldn't last a week up in my tower room. 

Patricia. Well, I surely didn't mean to be rude, 
but you see if I don't eat between meals and do a 
few other things, according to a certain plan, I may 
win a Health Badge in an organization to which I 
belong. 

Captain. What organization is it that thus tries 
to starve its members, the Anti-Fat Association? 

Patricia. (Laughing) No ; it's the Girl Scouts. 

All. Girl Scouts! What's that? 

Patricia. It is a nation-wide organization for 
girls. In fact, you may find members in England, 
France, Russia and many other foreign countries. 
They may not be called Girl Scouts but the idea is 
the same. In England they call themselves Girl 
Guides. 

Jessie. But what do you do in your Girl Scout 
Organization ? 

Patricia. We try to live up to a promise which 
we make. We have ten laws to guide us in our daily 
life. We help people whenever we find someone 
needing help and we study. 

Captain. Study. No thanks. I hate geometry ; 
Latin makes me sick ; French is developing my ade- 
noids. No Girl Scouting for me ! 

Patricia. But, my dear, we don't study geom- 
etry, or French, or Latin. We leafn about our 
Country and our Flag; we learn to signal and tie 
knots like the sailors; to send telegraph messages 



14 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

like the telegraph operators and to march like the 
soldiers. We camp out-of-doors in the deep woods. 
Oh, girls ! Did you ever sleep by a lake in the moon- 
light ? Were you ever awakened in the night by the 
whip-poor-will? Did you ever lie in the woods 
for an hour watching a squirrel gather nuts? Did 
you ever paddle a canoe right into the path of the 
moonlight? And then, did you ever hear some 
woman whom you love tell you stories by a camp- 
fire, stories of great people, of wood-lore, of Indian 
legends? Oh, girls, that is what Scouting means! 
You forget yourself ; you learn to be friends with 
others ; you find wonderful hearts under horrid con- 
ditions ; you grow better and nobler every day. Oh, 
I know I am not noble, but I try to be good. When 
I am in my uniform and saluting my flag I can just 
feel goodness creeping over me. Oh, you girls are 
good to me, but I miss my Scout -friends so. I see 
them all in uniform, marching with Captain Mother, 
marching off into the country, resting by the road- 
side, frying bacon over a campfire, swimming in our 
favorite lake, and then marching back in the twi- 
light. And I haven't been in my uniform since I 
left home. 

Fluffy. Where is your uniform? 

Patricia. Oh, I have it here in a pasteboard 
box, but 

All. (Glancing tozvard Horrors j A pasteboard 
box! 

Patricia. Yes; would you like to see it? 

All. Yes. 

Patricia. All right. Til put it on. (^Patricia 
takes box from under bed and exits) 

Snowy. Say ! Wasn't that just like going to 
church? Do you suppose she has done all those 
things ? Wouldn't it be sport to do them ? 

Horrors. * Girls, I believe she has done these 
things. That is why she is different. She is a nicer 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 15 

girl than any of us. Look how she spent her holi- 
day last week down in the laundry helping- Mrs. 
Flynn while her burned hand was so bad. Just yes- 
terday she helped that horrid Newton youngster 
pack her trunk. She had to go home to her sister's 
funeral, you know. And Pat was the only one who 
would help her to get ready to go. She is nice and 
we might as well own up to it. None of us are so 
nice. We are willing to eat her jam and marmalade, 
but we are not willing to profit by her example of 
lady-like behavior and just plain goodness. 

Snowy. Do you suppose we could be Girl 
Scouts? I suppose we couldn't be as good as she 
is, but we could try and maybe I would become 
noble. 

Fluffy. No, you wouldn't. You have roomed 
with me so long, my dear Snowy Owl, that you could 
never be noble. Besides, what would the Owls' 
Nest be like with a noble inmate? Owls may look 
wise, but they are never noble. 

Snowy. Never mind being funny. Fluffy. Let's 
try to improve Paradise Alley. We all are horrid 
and we know it. The rest of the girls hate us and 
call us snobs. The teachers hold special meetings 
to see what they can do to make us behave. We 
have caused more than one girl to cry herself to 
sleep at night. Do you remember when we made 
fun of that Ruth-what's-her-nanie, because she 
walked so funny and we found out later that she 
was lame? If we try to improve right away then 
we can be better before Patricia tries to influence 
us. You know Mrs. Lipkins said she hoped she 
would. And we don't want Lippy to think her wish 
has come true. 

Captain Kid. Fine ; I solemnly promise to try 
to live down my name of Captain Kid and be less 
piratical. I shall try to make Horrors a neat, law- 
abiding citizen, make Fluffy and Snowy keep their 



t6 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

rooms clean, make Airy turn the radiators off when 
she raises the windows in her Tower and make my 
own roommate, Dear Jessie James, more motherly. 

Jessie. (Resisting her sudden embrace ) Idiot ! 
Keep still ! Lippy will hear you ! 

Snowy. Oh, let us sing while we are awaiting 
Pat in her regimentals. Here, Horrors, play on your 
uke. 

Horrors. All right. (Breaks i^nto a popular air 
which they all sing. Just as they are finishing Pa- 
tricia enters, salutes her flag) 

(Curtain.) 



ACT III 

Scene: ''Mess'' in perfect condition. Horrors 
studying at a table. Several large reference 
books piled near her. Sounds of hilarity out- 
side. Horrors puts her hands over her ears 
and continues studying. Enter a group of stx 
girls in blouses and bloomers carrying a bas- 
ket ball. 

First Girl. Horrors Mason ! Studying on Sat- 
urday morning! Come on out to the field. We are 
going to have a game just for fun. Ditch your 

library ! tt ^r 

Second Girl. Yes, come on, Horrors. You 
haven't been out with us for ages and you are get- 
ting to be a regular old drudge. 

Third Girl. Candy! Do I see candy? (Helps 
herself from the box) 

Horrors. Pass it to the girls. Father sent it to. 
me but I am not eating candy for three months. 
No' thanks, girls, I guess I won't go out and play 
this morning. Say, do any of you girls know in 
what battle the American flag was first carried? 1 

simply can't find it. ^ , , , t j »^ 

Fourth Girl. No, I don't and I don t care. 
But I do know that this is too glorious a morning 
to stay inside and we can't get anybody out. The 
Owl's Nest sounds about as cheerful as a morgue, 
the Last Chance, ditto. Mess is a regular Quaker 
meeting. Where's Patricia? 

17 



i8 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

Horrors. In the infirmary. You know the school 
nurse is ill and Patricia has been up all night with 
that little freshman, Marjorie Newman. She's very 
ill with tonsilitis. I just took Patricia's breakfast 
to her and she ought to be in bed herself. But 
Marjorie thinks she is going to die and won't let 
Pat leave her. Patricia says that she will use it for 
her good turn so she may take the knot out of her 
tie. 

Fifth Girl. Well, hope she doesn't die. Fun- 
erals are so tiresome, you know. So long. We'll 
find someone to play with us or die in the attempt. 

Sixth Girl. And if we do die, we shall ask Pat 
to help us and that may be another good turn for 
her. 

(Exit the Girls, calling back their good-byes. Hor- 
rors goes back to her studying, but is inter- 
rupted again by Duckie in swimming togs.) 

DucKiE. Why, Horrors! This is Saturday 
morning. Aren't you going swimming? Hurry, 
there are six girls in the tank already and you know 
Lippy only allows twelve at a time. 

Horrors. Well, run along and don't wait for me. 
I have-some work to do and I don't expect to have 
time for swimming this morning. I'm going to 
mend Pat's gym suit for her, because she is work- 
ing in the infirmary to-day. Never mind me, Duckie, 
but have a good swim. 

Duckie. What makes Pat work there? She 
isn't hired to be a servant in this place. Well, 
good-bye, you old drudge. Get your work done. 
I have seven pairs of stockings to mend. You may 
start in on those any time, now. 

(Exit Duckie. Horrors starts once more to study. 
Enter Patricia, holding her head, as though it 
ached. Sits down wearily on the bed.) 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 19 

Horrors. Pat, are you ill? What is it? 

Patricia. No, I'm not ill, but I am so tired I 
can't see straight and I ^uess my head sort of aches. 

Horrors. (Fixing pillozvs and putting her com- 
fortably on the bed) Well, you just rest for a 
couple of hours and you will be better. Here, have 
a cold drink. 

Patricia. No, I don't want one. It hurts so 
to swallow. It has all night. 

Horrors. (Springing to her feet in dismay) 
Hurts to swallow! Oh, Pattie, you are ill. I'm 
going for Lippy. Oh, this is awful ! 

(Exit Horrors. Patricia sits up on the bed with 
her hand at her throat, tries to szvallow and 
makes a face as though it hurt.) 

Patricia. I guess I have caught Marjorie's ton- 
silitis, all right. Oh, I am so ashamed to be ill. 
After all my Good Health habits, it's disgraceful to 
give up. 

(Enter Mrs. Lipkins and Horrors.j 

Mrs. Lipkins. My dear Patricia, this is too bad. 
I'm just sorry that I let you stay with Marjorie. 
Let me see your throat. Um ! That is pretty bad. 
You can't stay here. I'll put you right to bed in 
the infirmary. Land sakes ! I hope it doesn't 
spread. Shirley, bring Patricia's nighl wear and 
then come back and gargle your throat. Come, 
Patricia, I hope you have taken it in time. Dear 
child! I hope you will be spared to us. 

(Exit Mrs. Lipkins and Patricia. Horrors finds 
Patricia's robe and exits. Enter Snowy, 
Fluffy, Airy, Jessie James and Captain Kid. 
Captain carries a Scout Handbook and Jessie 
a coil of rope.) 



26 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

Airy. Well, where is everybody? 

Snowy. Pat's working, you know. But where 
is Horrors? (She glances at the hooks on the table) 
The History of Our Nation! Well, Horrors has 
been studying-, but where is she now? 

Jessie. Well, let's do the ones we can and leave 
that one. W^hat is the first one. Captain Kid ? 

Captain. (Reading from the handbook) Reef 
knot. You tie, Jessie. Take an end of rope in each 
hand. Cross the end in the right over the end in 
the left. Twist, cross the end in the left over the 
end in the right. Twist. Pull. There, that isn't a 
granny. Now, let Fluffy Owl tie the half -hitch. 

(^Fluffy Owl ties the knot around the handle of 
the iikelele.) 

Captain Kid. Pass the end under and around 
the pole, around the standing part and under itself. 
Good, Airy, the sheep shank. Cross the hands and 
grasp the rope. Take up the slack by drawing the 
hands past each other. Make a bight in the stand- 
ing part between the fold and the end. Slip it over 
the fold. Do the same at the other end. Fine! 
Let's test it. 

(^Jessie and Airy are testing the knot when Hor- 
rors rushes m.J 

Horrors. Oh, girls! Pat's awfully ill. She 
caught tonsilitis from Marjorie and now she is in 
the infirmary and Lippy's awfully scared and she 
sent word to Miss Lewis and she sent for a doctor. 
Lippy said that she hoped Pat would be spared to 
us and they only say that in the church when peo- 
ple are dying. Oh, girls, it's horrible. 

Jessie. And we came to ask Pat to help us tie 
the Bowline. As usual, asking Pat to help us. 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 21 

Always doin^ something- for somebody. Girls, she 
can't die. She is needed so much. Just look what 
she has done here in the school and she has only- 
been here two months. I think that God sees we 
need her here and He won't let her die. 

Captain. And we have been so horrid. We 
just wouldn't be nice to her. We've eaten her jam 
and marmalade and we've had her help us with our 
lessons. 

Airy. Yes, and she mended my skirt when I 
tore it on that loose handle on my bureau. 

Horrors. Girls, we haven't always been hor- 
rid. She told me just yesterday that she was proud 
to write to her mother that eight of us were now 
studying- Scouting and that Miss Lewis was in favor 
of a big troop here. She liked us for becoming 
Scouts, n she dies we may be glad that we pleased 
her in that way. But oh ! I don't want her to die. 
I don't want, her to die. 



(Throws herself on the bed sobbing. All the Girls 
shozv grief.) 

Curtain 



ACT IV ' 

Scene: "Mess." Table, chairs, etc., pushed hack 
to wall. Patricia piling hooks and talking to 
someone off stage. 

Patricia. This is one of the nicest thing's about 
graduation week. I shall miss this year's Seniors 
when I come back next year, but I mustn't think of 
that now. I must just think that this is the last 
Scout meeting- of the year and you have come all 
this way to be here for it and to take me back, back 
to the birds and pine needles ! 

(Enter many Girls and Mrs. Lipkins. Girls fall 
into patrols facing Patricia and Mrs. Lip- 
kins sits in chair.) 

Patricia. Girls, I have a wonderful surprise 
for you. You know, I am really not elig-ible to act 
as a captain as I have been doing. I sent all of your 
Tenderfoot papers to my mother and she corrected 
them and graded you. I couldn't present your pins, 
so I wrote to mother and said that I saw no way 
out of it, she would just have to come and present 
them, and here she is. (Drazvs her mother into 
room. Girls all gasp and salute. Mrs. Kent smiles 
and returns the salute) 

Mrs. Kent. I surely need not tell you how de- 
lighted I am to be here with you once more. All 
year I have wished that I could invent some excuse 

22 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 23 

for coming to get acquainted with you girls whom 
Patricia has learned to love, and now that I am 
here, I can think of no other way to show my pleas- 
ure than to immediately give you your Tenderfoot 
pins. Attention! Flag! (^Two Girls bring Pa- 
tricia's flag to position in front of the troop) Sa- 
lute! 

All. (Standing at salute) T pledge allegiance 
to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, 
one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for 
all. 

Mrs. Kent. Inspection! 

f Patrol Leaders inspect their patrols and came to 
Mrs. Kent to he inspected.) 

Mrs. Kent. All the Scouts of this troop have 
faithfully passed all the tests necessary for claim- 
ing the title of "Tenderfoot Scout." I now name 
the girls of Troop i of Miss Lewis' School for 
Girls, Tenderfoot Scouts. In recognition of their 
rank, I present them with the pin of that rank. Will 
you repeat with me the promise which is symbolized 
in our pin? 

All. (Standing at salute) On my honor, I will 
try to do my duty to God and my country — to help 
other people at all times, to obey the Scout Laws. 

Mrs. Kent. I shall ask Patricia to act as lieu- 
tenant. (^Patricia steps forward and hands Mrs. 
Kent the pins as she fastens one on each girVs 
dress. They then step hack facing the troop) 

Mrs. Kent. Quite outside of Scouting, I want 
you girls to know how I appreciate your kindness 
to Patricia. She came here a stranger. She was 
thrust into the happy family of Paradise Alley. 
You girls were acquainted with each other and, of 
course, you didn't want a new one who was a 
stranger to you all. Yet, you were all kind to her. 



24 THE TAMING OF HORRORS 

Horrors gave up half of her room and made my lit- 
tle girl feel at home at once. She introduced her 
to all of her friends and they in turn made her feel 
as one of them. I know what it meant to Patricia 
for her letters were filled with accounts of your 
kindnesses. When she was so ill with tonsilitis, 
you girls kept her cheerful and happy. Your little 
notes and messages did more to help her recover 
than the doctor's medicines. And, of course, best 
of all is your interest in Scouting. We are so proud 
of our organization that we want others to realize 
its worth. When I look at you girls and recall 
th^t my little girl was the one to bring you into 
Scouting I am proud to be Patricia's mother. She 
has done well. When you girls graduate and scat- 
ter, I hope you will always remember that Patricia 
and I still love you and we will always be glad with 
you in your successes and grieve with you in your 
troubles. And back of our friendship will stand the 
great movement, "The Girl Scouts," holding us to- 
gether and sealing our friendship with an unbreak- 
able seal. 

Horrors. (Who has been having pangs of a 
guilty conscience) Oh, please, Mrs. Kent, it is won- 
derful of you to say that we were kind ! But, we 
were not. We said horrid things of her. We said 
she was silly and even crazy. We ate her jam and 
were glad that she wouldn't stay to eat some, too, 
for it gave us a better chance to talk about her. 
Mrs. Lipkins said that she hoped Patricia would 
have a good influence over me and I vowed she 
wouldn't. I made the girls promise that they 
wouldn't say that I was improving. But Patty did 
improve me. She tamed me just as the girls said 
she would and I'm glad she did. I am a better girl 
than I was last September. I haven't been so frivo- 
lous ; I have given a part of every allowance to 
someone who needed it; my clothes have lasted 



THE TAMING OF HORRORS 25 

longer because I have taken better care of them, and 
Patty did it all. She never preached once, but she 
was just all that was g^ood herself and she made 
me ashamed of myself. I am improved and in- 
fluenced and tamed and all by my Scout sister, Pa- 
tricia Kent. 

(^Horrors steps forward and gives Patricia the 
Scout-shake. All Girls give salute. Mrs. 
Kent smiles and salutes. Mrs. Lipkins shakes 
her head as if to say, '7 told you so," ) 

Curtain 

The End 



The Return of Hi Jinks 

A comedy in four acts, by Marion Short, author of "The Varsity 
Coach," "The Touch-Down," etc. 6 males, 8 females. Costumes 
modern. One interior scene. 

This comedy is founded upon and elaborated from a farce comedy 
in two acts written by J. H. Horta, and originally produced at Tuft's 
College. 

Hiram Poynter Jinks, a Junior in Hoosic College (Willie Collier 
type), and a young moving picture actress (Mary Pickford type), are 
the leading characters in this lively, modern farce. 

Thomas Hodge, a Senior, envious of the popularity of Jinks, wishes 
to think up a scheme to throw ridicule upon him during a visit of 
the Hoosic Glee Club to Jinks's home town. Jinks has obligingly acted 
as a one-day substitute in a moving picture play, in which there is a 
fire scene, and this gives Hodge his cue. He sends what seems to 
be a bona fide account of Jink's heroism at a Hoosic fire to Jink's 
home paper. Instead of repudiating his laurels as expected, Jinks 
decides to take a flyer in fame, confirms the fake story, confesses to 
being a hero and is adored by all the girls, to the chagrin and dis- 
comfiture of Hodge. Of course, the truth comes out at last, but 
Jinks is not hurt thereby, and his romance with Mimi Mayflower 
comes to a successful termination. 

This is a great comedy for amateurs. It is full of funny situations 
and is sure to please. Price, 30 Cents. 



J 



une 

A most successful comedy-drama in four acts, by Marie Doran, 
author of "The New Co-Ed, " "Tempest and Sunshine," "Dorothy's 
Neighbors," etc. 4 males, 8 females. One interior scene. Costumes 
modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

This play has a very interesting group of young people. June is 
an appealing little figure, an orphan living with her aunt. There are 
a number of delightful, life-like characters: the sorely tried likeable 
Mrs. Hopkins, the amusing, haughty Miss Banks of the glove depart- 
ment, the lively Tilly and Milly, who work in the store, and ambitious 
Snoozer; Mrs. Hopkins's only son, who aspires to be President of the 
United States, but finds his real sphere is running the local trolley 
car. The play is simplicity itself in the telling of an every-day story, 
and the scenic requirements call for only one set, a room in the 
boarding house of Mrs. Hopkins, while an opportunity is afforded ta 
introduce any number of extra characters. Musical numbers may be 
introduced, if desired. Price, 30 Cents. 

Tempest and Sunshine 

A comedy drama in four acts, by Marie Doran. 5 males and 3 
females. One exterior and three interior scenes. Plays about 2 hours. 

Every school girl has revelled in the sweet simplicity and gentle- 
ness of the characters interwoven in the charms that Mary J. Holmes 
command? in her story of "Tempest and Sunshine." We can strongly 
recommend this play as one of the best plays for high school pro- 
duction published in recent years. Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City 

New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request 



THE REJUVENATION OF AUNT MARY. 

The famous comedy in three acts, by Anne Warner. 7 males, 6 
fciiigles. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 2^ hours. 

This is a genuinely funny comedy with splendid parts for "Aunt 
>hiry," "Jack," her lively nephew; "Lucinda," a New England an- 
cient maid of all work; "Jack's" three chums; the Girl "Jack" loves; 
"Joshua," Aunt Mary's hired man, etc. 

"Aunt Mary" was played by May Robson in New York and on tour 
for over two years, and it is sure to be a big success wherever pr.. 
duced. We strongly recommend it. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. BUMSTEAD-LEIGH. 

A pleasing comedy, in three acts, by Harry James Smith, author of 
"The Tailor-Made Man." 6 males, 6 females. One interior scene. 
Costumes modern. Plays 2J4 hours. 

Mr. Smith chose for his initial comedy the complications arising 
from the endeavors of a social climber to land herself in the altitude 
peopled by hyphenated names — a iiieme permitting innumerable com- 
plications, according to the spirit of the writer. 

This most successful comedy was toured for several seasons by Mrs. 
Fiske with enormous success. Price, 60 Cents. 



MRS. TEMPLE'S TELEGRAM. 

A most successful farce in three acts, by Frank Wyatt and AVil- 
liam Morris. 5 males, 4 females. One interior rcene stands through- 
cut the three acts. ^ Costumes modern. Plays 2yS hours. 

"Mrs. Temple's Telegram" is a sprightlj' farce in which there is 
an abundance of fun withovit any taint of impropriety or any ele- 
ment of offence. ^ As noticed by Sir Walter Scott, "Oh, what a 
tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive." 

There is not a dull moment in the entire farce, and from the time 
the curtain rises until it makes the final drop the fun is fast and 
furious. A very exceptional farce. Price, 60 Cents. 



THE NEW CO-ED. 

A comedj' in four acts, by Marie Doran, autli£>r of "Tempest and 
Sunshine," etc. Characters, 4 males, 7 females, though any number 
of boys and girls can be introduced in the action of the play. One 
interior and one exterior scene, but can be easily played in one inte- 
rior scene. Costumes modern. Time, about 2 hours. 

The theme of this play is the coming of a lew student ta the col- 
lege, her reception by the scholars, her trials and final triumph. 

There are three especially good girls' parts, Letty, Madge and 
Estelle, but the others have plenty to do. "Punch" Doolittle and 
George Washington Watts, a gentleman of color, are two particularly 
good comedy characters. We can strongly recommend "The- New 
Co-Ed" to high schools and amateurs. ' Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 



SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City 

New and Explicit Descriprive Catalogue Mailed Tree on Request 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

1 ne 1 oucn- 015 793 143 9 

A comedy in four acts, by Marion Short. 8 males, 6 females, but ; 
any number of characters can be introduced in the ensembles. Cos- ^ 
tumes modern. One interior scene throughout the play. Time, 2^ "f^ 
hours. 

This play, written for the use of clever amateurs, is the story of 
life in Siddell, a Permsylvania co-educational college. It deals with 
the vicissitudes and final triumph of the Siddell Football Eleven, and 
the humorous and dramatic incidents connected therewith. 

"The Touch-Down" has the true varsity atmosphere, college songs 
are sung, and the piece is lively and entertaining throughout. High 
schools will make no mistake in producing this play. We strongly 
recommend it as a high-class and well-written comedy. 

Price, 30 Cents. 

Hurry^ Hurry^ Hurry 

A comedy in three acts, by LeRoy Arnold. 5 males, 4 female?. 
One interior scene. Costumes modern. Plays 2% hours. 

The story is based on the will of aii eccentric aunt. It stipulates 
that her pretty niece must be affianced before she is twenty-one, and * 
married to her fiance within a year, if she is to get her spinster '^ 
relative's million. Father has nice notions of honor and fails to tell -^ 
daughter about the will, so that she may make her choice untram- 
meled by any other consideration than that of true love. The action 
all takes place in the evening the midnight of which will see her 
reach twenty-one. Time is therefore short, and it is hurry, hurry, 
hurry, if she is to become engaged and thus save her father from 
impending bankruptcy. 

The situations are intrinsically funny and the dialogue is sprightly. 
The characters are natural and unaffected and the action moves with 
a snap such as should be expected from its title. Price, 30 Cents. 

The Varsity Coach 

A three-act play of college life, by Marion Short, specially adapted 
to performance by amateurs or high school students. S rnales 6 
females, but ary number of beys and girls may be introduced ~in the 
action of the play. Two settings necessary, a college boy's room and 
the university campus. Time, about 2 hours. 

■ Like many anothe/ college boy, "Bob" Selby, an all-round popular 
collepe man, becomes possessed of the idea that athletic prowess is* 
more to be desired than scholarship. He is surprised in the midst of 
a "spread" in his rocm in Regatta week by a visit from his aunt 
who is putting him through college. Aunt Serena, "a lady of the old 
school and the dearest little woman in the whole world," has hastened 
to m.jke this visit to her adored nephew under the mistaken impress- n 
that he is about to receive the Fellcwes prize for scholarship. Her 
grief ard chagrin when ?he learns that instead of the prize Robert 
has re eived "a pink card," which is equivalent to suspension for poor ^ 
scholarship, givs a totn h o-f pathos to an otherwise jolly comedy of 
college life. How the repentant Robert more than redeems hi-nself, 
carries off honors at the last, and in the end wins Ruth, the fai hful 
little rweelh' art of the "Proni" a:al the classroom, makes a story of 
dramatic interest and brings out very clearly certain phases of m idem 
college life. There are several opportunities for the introduction of 
college songs and "stunts." Price, 30 Cents. 

(The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 

— — ^^»wi^^^»«^w»na^MgMWW» »j«u r j M i. u, i I I 1 1 HMI— Bg— I—— — B<—i ^—raw^^— »«»i^ 

SAMI'EL FJ/ENCH. ''S-.^O West 38th Street, New York City 

New aiid Explicit Uesciiplive Cataiogug Mslled Free on Request 



